Kyson Brown adding versatility, and leadership to ASU’s backfield

FRISCO, Texas — After an ankle injury put him on the sidelines for nine games last season, the Sun Devils’ junior rusher is eager to get back on the gridiron.

Although Kyson Brown is back fully healthy, he understands his veteran presence in the running back room. After all, he started four games as a true freshman, and played behind All-American Cam Skattebo in 2024. Last year was supposed to be Brown’s breakout campaign, but it was cut short in game two at Mississippi State, and his ankle never fully recovered.

A grueling off-season of rehabbing his ankle, and gaining back the explosiveness fuels Brown, and he wants to make a statement this fall.

“I have everything in the world to prove, and I’m just wanting to prove that to everybody in the world, Brown said. “I hold myself to that standard, a general, I’ve been there with Skatt (Skattebo), and all of the older guys, so I hold myself to a high standard.

Brown always made the most out of his touches throughout his career, and showed glimpses of brilliance as a true sophomore. He rushed for two touchdowns against Oklahoma State that year. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder even recorded a 100-yard performance against rival Arizona. Brown is confident that he’s back to that form, and feels more explosive.

That speaks volumes, coming from a player who has averaged well over five yards per carry as a Sun Devil. Now Brown is diving deeper into Marcus Arroyo’s playbook, and intends on adding more juice to the offense.

“I’m always looking to learn more positions, knowing what the whole entire concept entitles of, and the responsibility of everybody, so I can play better,” he said. “Keep on making myself more available, being more versatile, because I pride myself on being able to catch out of the backfield.”

Being an every down back comes with a ton of value to the offense. Which is why Brown continues to work on his blocking, knowing pass protection is vital at the next level. Improving lower body strength is also a priority, because Brown wants to gain yards between the gaps instead of constantly having to outrun defenders. He’s even working on his durability by adding more bulk to his frame, and physically preparing to be the workhorse if necessary.

The former three-star prospect compares his explosive talent to NFL rusher Jahmyr Gibbs, and his power to David Montgomery. Brown is working hard on his vertical too, and inspires to have one like Saquon Barkley. He doesn’t expect anything to come easy, and is going to push his teammates in fall camp to have the same work ethic. Skattebo taught Brown to be himself, and not to be too uptight when applying his leadership. Respect comes in return, and there’s nothing like having a voice in the locker room.

The Sun Devils took a step back last season after they won the Big 12 Title, and made their first-ever Playoff appearance. So everyone has a chip on their shoulder following a year of underachievement, and Brown feels the team is more dangerous flying under the radar.

“I think it moved the targets off our backs as far as being the champs,” the running back said. “So we still got that underdog mentality, and that’s going to feed us into playing harder for each other.”

Last year Arizona State ranked second in the Big 12, and 27th nationally in rushing offense. Brown intends on keeping a successful ground game going, and what it’s going to require out of him when the Sun Devils navigate through the Big 12 gauntlet.

“I’m definitely coming for everything, I’m looking to kill it this season.”